SmileDirectClub vs. Byte: An Honest Comparison

SmileDirectClub and Byte have a lot in common. Both clear aligner services offer at-home teeth straightening, and both are significantly more affordable than braces or Invisalign. But when you dig a bit deeper, there are actually some major differences between these companies’ services.

We’re here to help you decipher these differences and hone in on the features you find most important. In this comparison review, we’ll take you on an in-depth tour of SmileDirectClub and Byte, providing all the information you need to choose the best home teeth aligner for you.

Overview & Recommendation: Byte Wins

$1,795

$1,895

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Two Great Companies, but Byte Gets Our Vote.

Both SmileDirectClub & Byte offer huge savings and convenience, but in our opinion, Byte wins the race. Why? Two reasons:

• Industry-Fastest Treatment Time: This is where Byte truly shines, separating themselves from not just SmileDirectClub, but the entire clear aligner industry. Their proprietary HyperByte device, which uses gentle vibrations to shift teeth more easily, gives Byte an average treatment time of 3-4 months (compared to SmileDirectClub’s 4-6-month average). Dentists often charge upwards of $1,000 for similar devices, but Byte includes it for free in your aligner bundle.
• Exceptional Customer Support: Byte assigns each customer a personal advisor, who checks in to answer questions and concerns throughout the treatment process. Plus, once you’re done with treatment, your smile is insured by their Byte for Life Guarantee. That means if your teeth ever shift after treatment, even years down the line, they’ll realign your smile free of charge.

Is Byte Right for You?

Out of all the clear aligners we’ve reviewed, Byte is the #1 option we feel most comfortable recommending not only to our readers, but also to our family and friends. They scored 4.7/5 overall based on our 5 review criteria (effectiveness, affordability, convenience, appearance, and customer support) — a higher rating than any other provider.

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Effectiveness Comparison

Provided you are a good candidate for at-home aligners, Byte and SmileDirectClub both have a good track record for effectiveness. But Byte goes above and beyond in this category by utilizing innovative technologies to provide a more effective product and process.

Aligner Technology

SmileDirectClub once partnered with Align Tech (the creators of Invisalign) to manufacture their clear aligners. We were huge fans of this partnership, as Align Tech has long been known for producing top-quality, highly-effective aligners. These days, however, SmileDirectClub produces most of its aligners in-house. They’ve implemented a design they call “Comfort Sense,” which is a “proprietary soft, medium, and firm aligner plastic progression to ease teeth more comfortably into place.”

Byte does not explicitly share their manufacturing partnership, but they clearly communicate that their aligners are made of safe, BPA-free plastic. While we assume that they work with a reputable producer, at this point we can’t be 100% sure.

Other Innovations

SmileDirectClub has been in the home aligner game longer, there’s no doubt about that. But over the past few years, they haven’t introduced any game-changing technology or modifications. As an established, experienced company, they’ve simply relied on their track record, reputation, and results, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

But Byte, an upstart in the field, has shown unrivaled ambition by developing and implementing technologies that drastically impact their treatment’s effectiveness. The HyperByte vibration device is completely unique to Byte treatment, shortening the overall treatment timeline like no other provider does. Plus, unlike other companies, Byte uses a special software called Smile Science to evaluate your entire facial structure when designing your treatment plan. This allows their dentists to craft a smile that fits your features perfectly.

Aligner Cut

Byte produces straight-cut aligners that slightly overlap your gums, which can make them more effective, while SmileDirectClub trims their aligners to match your gumline. Straight-cut aligners use the gums as a point of leverage to pivot and push the teeth into alignment.

Affordability Comparison

One of the first things many adults check when considering home aligner treatment is their budget. Which provider offers lower prices? Even though Byte has a slightly lower sticker price, these companies end up being fairly close in total cost when you factor in impression kits, retainers, and other expenses.

Sticker Price

At $1,950, SmileDirectClub’s sticker price is a bit more expensive than Byte’s $1,895 price point. However, there’s also a difference when you consider impression kit and retainer costs. SmileDirectClub’s impression kit is $49, whereas Byte’s is $95, and neither is included in the sticker price.

SmileDirectClub, however, gives you the option to skip the impression kit by visiting one of their SmileShops for a free teeth scan. Byte does not have any physical locations, but they do include retainers in their upfront cost. SmileDirectClub, on the other hand, charges an additional $99 for retainers at the end of treatment. Even after this give-and-take, both companies’ total costs come out almost equal.

If you choose Byte At-Night, you’ll end up paying $2,295 instead. SmileDirectClub’s nighttime aligners cost the same amount as its standard daytime treatment.

Payment Plan Options

As you think about cost, you should also keep in mind how you might finance your treatment. Again, SmileDirectClub and Byte offer very similar options. Both offer 100% approval on financing, regardless of your credit score. Here are the details:

• SmileDirectClub offers a 24-month financing plan ($89/month) that requires a $250 down payment.
• Byte’s 29-month plan ($83/month) requires a $349 down payment. For Byte At-Night, it’s $99 a month + a $449 down payment.

BytePay also includes a 5-year “Smile Protection Plan,” which includes biannual retainer replacement and two free replacements for lost or stolen retainers. This makes Byte’s financing slightly more expensive than SmileDirectClub’s, but post-treatment retainers often cost close to $100 each, you’re getting a good deal either way.

Either company is a great option, especially if you aren’t confident in your credit score. With both services, you’ll pay a bit extra to finance your care when you factor in the interest paid over time by financing, so it’s worth it to pay upfront if you can make the finances work!

Free Extras

Both companies include free whitening to accompany your aligners, which is a nice touch that allows you to brighten your smile while you straighten your teeth. Byte also includes their HyperByte device with your treatment cost. This is a huge benefit to you, as HyperByte is what makes Byte’s 3-month treatment time possible, and it retails for $699 on its own.

Convenience Comparison

With a Nighttime-only treatment plan and hundreds of SmileShops across the U.S. that make it easy to get started, Convenience is one area where SmileDirectClub flourishes. Byte’s services are convenient in their own right (especially considering their average treatment time) but this is where SmileDirectClub really goes above and beyond.

Getting Started

When getting started with SmileDirectClub or Byte, you’ll need to send the company images of your teeth. You can purchase an impression kit from either company and use it to create molds of your top and bottom dental arches. However, impression kits can be difficult, especially considering the fact that most customers have never taken molds of their own teeth. And if you choose Byte, this is the only option, so you’re stuck taking your own impression.

Go with SmileDirectClub, on the other hand, and you can visit any of their 300+ SmileShops for a free teeth scan. If you’d rather not deal with the hassle of taking impressions, or if you’re eager to start treatment, you can pop into a SmileShop where a dental assistant will scan your teeth for free. This will allow the company to get started on your care plan as quickly as possible.

Plus, the SmileDirectClub Partner Network includes more than 1,000 dentists’ offices nationwide, where you can begin your treatment with an in-office consultation and teeth scan, if you’d prefer.

Note: If you get started at a SmileShop, you may have the option to sign up for a “Fast Track” service, which gets your aligners to your door as fast as possible. However, it also means you need to pay the full treatment cost upfront. And according to some customer reviews, after agreeing to fast-track their aligner production, they weren’t able to see their full treatment plan before receiving their aligners, so make sure you consider it carefully before signing up.

Treatment Time

One of the biggest advantages at-home aligner treatments have over in-office options is their speed. Byte and SmileDirectClub don’t take nearly as long as braces or Invisalign (which can take 12-24 months), and Byte has the absolute fastest treatment time in the game. Thanks to their HyperByte technology, on average, Byte treatment takes just 3-4 months, while SmileDirectClub’s lasts an average of 4-6 months.

Teeth Whitening

Both Byte and SmileDirectClub include teeth whitening products with your aligners, so you can brighten that smile while you straighten your teeth. With some other options like Smilelove, you can only whiten after you complete your aligner treatment, making Byte and SmileDirectClub more convenient options.

Nighttime-Only Option?

This is a relatively new trend in the home aligner industry. Typically, you would wear your aligners for 22 hours per day. But for anyone who doesn’t think they can stick to that schedule, or would rather not remove and replace their aligners to eat and drink, SmileDirectClub and Byte have each introduced a nighttime-only option.

These aligners are exactly the same as the ones you would receive for an all-day schedule, but you only wear each set for 10 hours per day over two weeks instead of one. Of course, this stretches out the overall timeline – extending SmileDirectClub’s to 10 months and Byte’s to 6 months (on average). Nighttime aligners are a more convenient option for either company, although Byte maintains its advantage in speed.

Appearance Comparison

Both Byte and SmileDirectClub provide clear aligners that fit the contours of your teeth and are much less visible than traditional braces, but there are some small differences in the materials they use that impact each product’s appearance.

Aligner Material

SmileDirectClub fashions their aligners from a “frosted” plastic, while Byte uses a smooth, shiny one. What’s the difference? If you want to know our opinion, it’s that aligners made from frosted plastic are actually more discreet because they mimic the naturally-matte surface of your teeth. Shiny material can be reflective and actually more noticeable.

However, this debate is largely subjective and depends on your personal preference. Some customers, for example, appreciate Byte’s shiny plastic because they think it makes their smiles gleam. You should consider which you prefer before making your final decision.

Aligner Cut

As we mentioned in the Effectiveness section, SmileDirectClub trims their aligners to match your gumline, while Byte’s aligners are cut straight across the top, slightly overlapping the gums. Even though trimmed aligners might be slightly less effective, they’re also slightly less visible, since there’s no overlap.

Stain Resistance

Customer Service Comparison

You want a home aligner company that makes you feel valued and provides quick support when you need it most. When it comes to customer service, Byte is the clear winner.

Both companies offer comparable support options, but in examining a large number of customer reviews, we found that Byte stands out in terms of responsiveness and overall helpfulness of company representatives. Plus, they offer a unique lifetime warranty that covers your smile forever.

Support Options

Both companies are available during standard business hours on a variety of support platforms – phone, webchat, text, and email. Byte is very active on social media and will respond to questions and concerns there as well.

SmileDirectClub allows you to track your progress on a mobile app and have regular virtual “Smile Check-ins” with their dental team. According to the SmileDirectClub website, this dental team is available via chat and text for questions 24/7.

Byte also lets you schedule video calls and phone calls to check in with their care team through your patient portal, although they don’t have an app.

Responsiveness & Helpfulness

Based on many reviews we found, customers generally feel that Byte offers more responsive and thoughtful support than SmileDirectClub.

In fact, SmileDirectClub’s customer support has received mixed reviews over the years. Many SmileDirectClub customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of support they received or reported frustrating delays in aligner shipments. The volume of negative reviews and Better Business Bureau complaints accelerated around 2017 as SmileDirectClub attempted to grow its business extremely rapidly, creating inconsistencies in its customer support.

Over the past year or so, SmileDirectClub seems to be making an effort to improve its service quality and customer support issues. These efforts appear to be paying off—especially with the implementation of their Smile Check-ins and mobile app—but Byte still comes out on top. By all accounts, they’re extremely responsive on all channels.

For example, if you reach out on social media, you can expect a response within 24 hours. Even better is the fact that each Byte customer is assigned their own personal advisor, who answers questions and checks in via email throughout the process. It’s like having your own personal guide for the teeth straightening journey.

Satisfaction Guarantee

These companies have fairly similar satisfaction guarantees. Either one will work with you to modify your treatment if your teeth aren’t moving as expected, creating new aligners to get you back on track (provided you’ve followed their treatment protocol).

On top of that, both companies have policies that ensure you keep your new smile for life. Byte’s is called the Byte for Life guarantee, and SmileDirectClub calls theirs the Lifetime Smile Guarantee. They might have different names, but they operate the same way.

Imagine that your teeth shift five years after you complete treatment. Byte or SmileDirectClub will send you new aligners to shift them back. Ten years? New aligners. Twenty years? You guessed it – they’ll send you new aligners. However, to qualify you must order two sets of retainers ($99) per year and wear them as prescribed.

Company Backgrounds

As we mentioned earlier, Byte is the newest home aligner company to hit the market. Even so, they’ve had a quick rise to the top of our rankings because of their innovation and unmatched treatment times.

At first, we were unsure if Byte could compete with an established industry giant like SmileDirectClub, which then had over 2,000 employees and had served over one hundred thousand customers (as of 2021, the numbers are even higher). But Byte proved us wrong, jumping at an opportunity to become a formidable company themselves.

In many ways, SmileDirectClub appears to have grown too quickly, and the quality of their product and customer support has suffered as a result. This unfortunate decision led to many customer complaints and created an opening for Byte to enter the arena promoting industry-best treatment times, unique technology, and exceptional customer support.

And customers quickly took notice. Since their start in 2018, Byte has delivered on their claims for fast treatment times, quality products, and exemplary customer service. They continuously stay at the forefront of industry trends and technology, innovating new ways to increase their aligner effectiveness, convenience, and appearance. They’re the prodigy of the group, and they continue to show incredible promise. We’re excited to continue following Byte to see where they go in the future.

What Are Customers Saying?

When we review a company like Byte or SmileDirectClub, we start out by digging through online user reviews to understand the common issues customers face, and how the company handles them. Here’s how these two services stack up.

Byte

Generally, Byte users express positivity and satisfaction with their Byte experience. They often say they chose Byte because they appreciated the convenience of a three-month treatment plan, and liked that the HyperByte device would eliminate much of the pain associated with orthodontic treatment.

In the few cases where something goes wrong, it seems that Byte is quick and caring to resolve the issue, making sure the customer feels safe and valued. Many users also note that the HyperByte device really helps their aligners feel more comfortable, and that they notice more discomfort if they’re not using HyperByte regularly.

SmileDirectClub

Given SmileDirectClub’s multi-year history, there are many genuine online reviews detailing customer experiences with the product. Generally, SmileDirectClub customers feel positive about their experiences, despite some hiccups along the way. Customer support seems to be hit-or-miss, but the company generally keeps its promises. Although, it may take some extra effort on the customer’s end.

Each set of aligners seems well-made (most people don’t need to file down any rough edges or irregularities, unlike some other brands), and the treatment process is reportedly only mildly uncomfortable. Most customers report increased discomfort for the first day or two of each aligner set, especially when removing them after a long period of time. This pain subsides quickly and, for most customers, is not a major concern. A majority complete their treatment and feel satisfied with the results.

In addition to the unbiased SmileDirect reviews we’ve collected from our readers, we encourage you to check out the video reviews below to get an unbiased look at what real customers have to say.

Which Home Teeth Aligner Should You Use?

As you can see, SmileDirectClub and Byte have a lot in common, but their differences are where you want to focus when making a final decision. If you’re still not sure which clear aligner service to choose, let’s look at a couple scenarios that might help you figure out which is the better option for you.